Fabrics Camira
Green shoots
C onsumers are increasingly concerned about the impact
their choices have upon the environment, influencing
everything from food to clothes and feeding into the way
we travel and the materials we want to be surrounded by. More and
more people are opting for eco-friendly modes of getting around,
from cycling to electric vehicles and, of course, public transport.
A 2018 study, The Future of Mobility 3.0 by Arthur D Little, revealed
that in London, public transport had risen to constitute 37% of
journeys, with an aim of achieving 40% in the near future.
With the focus on how to get from A to B cleanly, it seems
natural that more attention would be paid – by both travellers and
operators – to the materials used in our chosen mode of transport.
“Rather than opting for synthetic textiles and heavy-duty seats,
designers are increasingly moving towards natural, sustainable
options and lightweight seats that are not only ergonomically
superior, offering enhanced comfort and aesthetics, but are also
Railway Interiors International ANNUAL SHOWCASE 2019 78
environmentally friendly,” comments Ciara Crossan, transport
design manager at Camira, a leading manufacturer of transport
fabrics. “We’re definitely seeing the rise of the conscious consumer.
People are much more aware of what goes into the products they
use and their effects on the environment. They want traceability,
product responsibility and transparency; and that’s only going
to increase in importance, with natural fabrics and sustainable
materials becoming the products of choice, not only in transport,
but across the board.”
Ideas Train
Illustrating this point is Deutsche Bahn’s Ideas Train. Developed in
2017, this 30m (98ft)-long train concept demonstrated how much
travel could change in the next few years – showcasing noisecancelling
chairs, built-in tablet stands, a fitness studio and even a
children’s play area. Complementing this forward-thinking approach
Sustainability is beginning
to influence design in the
rail industry
ABOVE: Wired,
a wool-rich
fabric collection
featuring a mix
of pile heights
and handles